Leonard T. “Lenny” Drda, age 99 of Highland, IL, passed away Monday, June 29, 2026, at HSHS Saint Elizabeth Hospital in O Fallon, IL.
He was born on Wednesday, May 11, 1927, in Highland, IL, the son of Joseph and Mary (nee Boyle) Drda.
On Monday, September 1, 1952, he married Arlene Elizabeth Drda (nee Bauer) at St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL by Msgr. Whalen.
He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, where he served as an usher. He was also a member of American Legion Post #439; VFW Post #5694; and Highland Sportsman’s Club (last surviving founding member).
In the 1940s, as a teenager Lenny drove a Model T to deliver Polar Ice to residentials homes, as well as milk for Reichert Dairy. He then served in the United States Army during WWII, with duty in Germany and Italy (overseas duty for more than a year). When he returned to Highland, he worked for the VA Administration and Highland Supply. Lenny attended Washington University majoring in accounting. He began his work career as a walking mail carrier, serving his neighbors in Highland. In 1984, he retired as a rural letter carrier, where he earned an award for one million accident-free miles. Lenny brought a friendly smile and reliable service to the countryside for many years. His commitment to the community extended beyond the post office; for more than 30 years, he was a familiar, comforting face at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home. He also worked for 5 years delivering newspapers for Drda News Service.
In his youth, Lenny was a proud athlete, hitting the court as a basketball player for St. Paul High School. His love for sports continued throughout his life, and he was a passionate, lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. He also enjoyed friendly competition closer to home, spending many happy hours bowling and throwing horseshoes.
Lenny enjoyed fishing and hunting, and he especially loved the thrill of hunting for mushrooms. Above all, Lenny loved to make people laugh. He was a natural storyteller who loved telling jokes, always ready to brighten someone’s day with a clever punchline.
Lenny is survived by his children, Linda L. Drda, CPA of Schaumburg, IL, Robert A. (Marilyn) Drda of Highland, IL, Cheryl A. Drda, JD (Husband Scott A. Manuel, JD) of Springfield, IL, and David J. Drda of Highland, IL; grandchildren – Kristi L. Drda (Husband – Nathan McPherson) of Winter Garden, FL, Jason A. (Yuliya) Drda of Westfield, IN, and Bailey P. Manuel of Springfield, IL; great grandchild – Madison R. McPherson of Winter Garden, FL; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Arlene E. “Sis” Drda, nee Bauer (died 12/6/2018); his parents, Joseph T. Drda – Died 09/04/1969 and Mary A. Drda, nee Boyle – Died 05/22/1994; siblings, Francis A. (Ellen) Drda – Died 09/28/1977, Cecelia M. “Cele” (Harry) Zeller – Died 06/24/1998, Joseph D. (Ione) Drda – Died 09/01/1977, and (Twin), Leona M. (Dale) Rutz – Died 06/18/2016; parents-in-law, Albert & Pearl (nee Wahl) Bauer and brother-in-law, Arvel (Kathryn) Bauer.
Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Visitation will be held from 8:00 AM to 10:15 AM on Monday, July 6, 2026, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Funeral Mass will be at 10:30AM on Monday, July 6, 2026, at St. Paul Catholic Church with Father John Beveridge, officiating in Highland, IL.
Interment will be at Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Highland, IL, with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, family requests memorial contributions to be made to Highland Home (1600 Walnut St., Highland, IL 62249) or the Donor’s charity of choice.
